Skywater City was far more elegant than Lan Tian had expected.
The two followed the main road for roughly half a day. Ahead, the rolling hills gradually gave way to a broad lake plain, and in the distance, a city built beside a lake unfolded beneath the afternoon light.
The city walls were low but exceptionally wide, their surfaces inlaid with aqua-blue patterns that shimmered like rippling water in the sunlight, as though an entire lake had been frozen into the stone.
White and pale blue dominated the buildings within the city. Willows and unfamiliar flowers lined the streets, while streams wound through the city center, their gentle murmuring lending the whole city a soft, graceful air.
Shui Hanyi walked ahead, her steps a little steadier than before.
Her long, ice-blue hair swayed gently behind her in a high ponytail. She had tidied her damaged dress along the way, and although a few patches remained visible, she looked reasonably presentable.
She occasionally turned to introduce the scenery to Lan Tian, her tone considerably gentler than when he had first rescued her.
Soon after entering Skywater City, the two attracted plenty of attention.
Shui Hanyi was the head of Skywater Academy, and most residents recognized her. Seeing her walking beside an unfamiliar young man, they turned to look.
Several women chatting outside the shops along the street huddled together and whispered, their gazes roaming over Lan Tian's face.
Lan Tian was already accustomed to such looks. Ever since his blue silver god had awakened, his features had become striking and noble; people giving him a few extra glances on the street was nothing unusual.
Shui Hanyi walked beside him with an unruffled expression, occasionally nodding to those watching them as she led him north at an unhurried pace.
Skywater Academy stood